New 911 Technology, CDC Mask Guidelines, Forest Preserve News and more
Dear Neighbors,
I hope this finds you well and you have a great Memorial Day weekend.
I've received quite a few questions about the reapportionment process for county districts. This happens every 10 years as we receive new Census data. State and congressional districts are also redrawn.
Due to a number of COVID-related and other delays, we won't have the complete census count until this fall. Springfield, however, has required us to draw new districts by our July board meeting, so we'll be using partial -- and in some cases old -- Census data.
We've asked the General Assembly to give us more time to draw maps that represent a more complete picture of how Lake County population has changed over the past decade. But we won't know the status of that request until after Memorial Day.
Why is the most current Census data important? We need to know where people are to draw fair districts that represent our diverse population. We need, for example, a district that represents our LatinX population. I'm strongly in favor of that move.
We're also considering having districts represented by more than one member or a countywide-elected chair, both of which I oppose. In any case, we're doing our best to draw fair maps. There's more on this process on this page.
COVID-19 Update
Please keep in mind that we are still taking walk-ins at nearly all of our COVID-19 vaccination sites. You can bring in your children (ages 12 +) for a free shot. If you know of anyone who hasn't gotten a shot, please tell them it's a community effort to beat the bug. We're definitely making a major dent in infection and hospitalization rates, but we still have more shots to give. Thanks to parents and students who showed up for our "School Spirit Day" at the fairgrounds. It was a fun day full of healing!
One note: Our county fairgrounds vaccination supersite will close in a few weeks, but there are dozens of other locations where you can get a vaccine. Find a vaccine near you
Forest Preserve News
We're not only accepting permit applications for our fabulous picnic shelters, our new beer garden will be opening soon at Independence Grove in the old beach house. Stayed tuned for more details. We'll be featuring a variety of locally produced craft beers. Check for updates on the Independence Grove web page.
As always, it's more honor and privilege to serve you. If you need immediate help with housing, food or any social services, please call 2-1-1. I'm also available to speak to your group.
Be well, be safe!
John
